At 80 years old, Doug Bindon has retired his watchful eyes from Cochrane’s Citizens on Patrol program.
He helped found the program in 1994, and since then — and until recently — Bindon could be spotted patrolling the community’s residential and industrial areas.
“I was involved because I believe in the program,” said Bindon, who has been living in Cochrane with his wife Lynn since 1972. “I believe the only way policing can be effective is if it engages the community.
“Without the involvement of our community, our level of crime would be much, much higher. We try to stop crime before it’s committed.”
He first became involved with policing after his 1987 retirement from his job with Alberta Government Telephones (now Telus), acting as the go-between for the RCMP detachment and town council as part of the police commission before turning his eyes to the streets of Cochrane.
Since reaching his 80th birthday in March and officially retiring his services, Bindon has been keeping himself busy.
In addition to volunteering weekly at Home Reno Heaven, he said he’s been digging in his garden, pulling out his guitar for jam sessions and spending quality time with his family.
“All of our volunteers are valuable, but with Doug being one of the founding members — he’ll be missed,” said Sergeant Audrey Robinson of Cochrane RCMP. “He was dedicated for 19 years, which is quite extraordinary.”
Out on patrol, Citizens on Patrol volunteers work in pairs to watch for suspicious actions, property damage, drug transactions, graffiti, among other activities.
Armed with a radio, the volunteers can directly contact RCMP if anything is seen as amiss, or simply take note of vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers if Mounties are otherwise engaged.
“We don’t get involved with transactions,” explained Bindon. “We advise RCMP about the situation and provide surveillance until someone arrives.”
The key times for patrolling the community are between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Active volunteers must dedicate a minimum of four hours each month to patrolling, but each member determines the time and duration of individual tours.
Bindon said the program has about 20 active members.
“It’s an interesting job, in that you’re out there in your community keeping an eye on things,” said Bindon. “You have to make judgement calls about what’s important and what’s not. It’s a rewarding experience.”
For information on how to get involved with Cochrane Citizens on Patrol, visit cochranecop.com.
